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Elaina Kay Smith is a Christian singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, TN.  Christian music has always been a part of her DNA and her passion since childhood.  Her sweet, soprano voice coupled with her ability to write heartwarming and inspirational songs, makes her one of the most unique new artists in Christian music.  She is a regular lead vocalist with the worship team at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, wife and mother of three.   Elaina is releasing original music on a regular basis.  "Love Like No Other" was produced by the award winning and Grammy nominated producer, Gordon Mote.    

online at http://www.elainasmithmusic.com

About Jason Welch

Growing up in a home where the rule was if an instrument came into the house, it must be played, Jason Welch became a talented, versatile musician.  He plays drums, guitar, bass, saxophone, and probably anything he can put in his hands.   He is a prolific songwriter, recording his original songs which have been praised by radio and listeners alike.  Lastly, Jason's smooth country vocals bring each song to life emotionally as only a natural songwriter can.  He has had previous charting success on hisl last 3 releases, "Whiskey Stole My Grandma from Me," "Saving My Place," and "Candles."  Surrounded by a family who loves and supports his music and who took him as they traveled in Gospel music most of his life, Jason Welch will be an artist loved and played for a long time.

NASHVILLE, TN (March 7, 2025) – Caroline Owens, one of bluegrass music’s fastest-rising stars, makes her debut with Billy Blue Records, releasing the breakout single, “You’ve Still Got It.” With multiple accolades and nominations already under her belt, Owens has quickly made a name for herself as one of the genre’s most promising young talents and plans to release a full album (produced by Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge) later this year.
 
With an accompanying music video set for release in April, “You’ve Still Got It” builds on the success of her single “Build Me an Ark,” which climbed to #1 on the Bluegrass Today charts, along with “The Healing Kind,” which also topped the Top 20 chart on BanjoRadio. 
 
“When I first heard this single— penned by Jerry Salley and John Pennell— I just knew that I had to have this song,” stated Caroline Owens. “I remember Jerry playing it for me, and about halfway through, I said, ‘We’ve found the one. This is the first single. I don’t even need to hear the rest of the song to know that.’”
 
She continued, “with a fantastic team behind me, and the unwavering support of the Bluegrass community, I feel this is the turning of the page to an exciting new chapter in my career.” 

Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director of Billy Blue Records added, “It’s as if John and I wrote this song specifically for Caroline! She delivers it with such raw emotion that I believe every word. Her passion and authenticity shine through, and we couldn’t be more excited about her music and what’s ahead for her future.”
 
Fans can stream “You’ve Still Got It” now on all digital platforms and stay up to date with her latest news and tour dates by following her on social media or visiting Online at https://carolineowensofficial.com 

ABOUT CAROLINE OWENS
Caroline Owens, a 3X IBMA Momentum & SPBGMA-nominated Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year, is a recording artist and songwriter for Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Music Publishing in Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry's most accomplished artists such as Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and many others. 
 
In addition to her undeniable vocal talent, Caroline made her mark in the songwriting industry, when her debut single, “Heartbreak Train,” claimed the #1 Bluegrass song of 2023, on the Bluegrass Borderline Charts. 
 
To add to this radio success, her song, “No More Blue Moons in Kentucky” (Featuring Darin & Brooke Aldridge), earned a coveted spot on Billboard Magazine’s list of “Eight Must-Hear New Country Songs”.
 
She is loved by fans all around the world, and is recognized easily in a crowd of singers, but not only for her talent. Her humility and down-home, southern charm ensures that Caroline Owens possesses all of the necessary qualities and skills to become a household name in the fast-moving bluegrass genre.

"You've Still Got It"
Jerry Salley and John Pennell
Solargrass Music (BMI)/Country Gentleman Music (SESAC)

Produced by: Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge

Guitar: Cody Kilby
Bass & Dobro: Jeff Partin
Mandolin: Darin Aldridge
Fiddle: Tammy King
Banjo: Matt Menefee
Harmony Vocals: Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge

Youtube Video link:  

https://youtu.be/HYzOmka4inM?si=ztcKOOWmhvE0UCkr

https://youtu.be/1vTnhF-ZLew?si=Yqq706sJk73HImvf

"Covering Up Holes" is the next single from Tina Adair's upcoming album.

Written by Billy Droze and John Meador, "Covering Up Holes" showcases Tina's sensitive tone and dynamic vocal range, and shows her delicate approach to song interpretation. Tina's elite talent and the band's performance create the perfect musical blend.

Featuring a supporting cast of Cody Kilby & Pat McGrath (acoustic guitars), Ronnie Stewart (fiddle), Seth Taylor (mando), Scott Vestal (banjo), Byron House (bass), Rob Ickes (dobro), and Wes Hightower (harmonies).

Produced by Tina Adair & Adam Engelhardt.

Written by Billy Droze & John Meador.

"When Adam Engelhardt first played me this song, I knew immediately that I wanted to record it. Written by two amazing songwriters and artists in their own right, Billy Droze and John Meador, it's a song that takes you on a journey of a relationship that is questioning why it is still trying to be. Although the lyrics are sad, the melody is beautiful. And in my opinion, the combination of the two is what makes this song so great. I loved getting to record Covering Up Holes and I hope you all love it too!”

The name Tina Adair has become synonymous with excellence as far as female vocalists in bluegrass music are concerned. Her family band, The Adairs, gave Tina her first introduction and exposure to the industry and when Tina was just 17 years old, she signed a recording contract with Sugar Hill Records. Her first album, Just You Wait And See, was released in ’97, produced by Jerry Douglas and featuring such luminaries as Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, Aubrey Haynie, Viktor Krauss, Charlie Cushman, Keith Little, and Alan O’Bryant. The project was a success and garnered praise from radio and critics. After four years touring, Tina came off the road to attend college, though she did release one self-produced CD, All You Need, in 2000.   

After graduating from Nashville’s, Belmont University as an undergrad, Tina went to work in Nashville while also attending graduate school. But the music in her soul just couldn't be denied.  “One of my goals was to always get a college degree and was highly encouraged by my family. My brother and I were first generation college students, and my parents worked very very hard in order to pay for both both of our college educations. I was very blessed! Another dream of mine was to become a resident of Nashville, TN.  Therefore, Belmont University was where I studied and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Music Business, perfectly suited to my long term goals. "Upon graduating from Belmont, I began work in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont, where I still reside."  Adair adds..."I am currently the Director of Advising in the Curb College and I have been at Belmont now for 20 years!"  

In February 2012, Tina released a solo record titled Born Bad which she recorded at Nashville's historic OceanWay Studios.  Less than a year later, in December 2012, Tina joined forces with four friends and prominent women in the bluegrass industry to form the all star female group, Sister Sadie. Sister Sadie has experienced incredible amount of radio and chart success since their start and was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2019. The band has also made many appearances on the coveted GRAND OLE OPRY stage, making their debut on March 30, 2019. Sister Sadie has also been highly recognized by their peers with the IBMA, as recipients of the Vocal Group Of The Year award three years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021), as well as IBMA Entertainers Of The Year in 2020 making history as the first all female group to win both of these awards.  

October of 2020 brought exciting changes to Tina’s musical journey in the form of a new solo recording contract with Engelhardt Music Group of Nashville, TN. She released her debut project for her new label in the Spring of 2021, a full length self-titled album which proved to be a chart topping success entering the new year with the number #1 single, "Still Got a Long Way To Go."   It was also during this time that the Country Music Hall Of Fame had included Sister Sadie in their “Country Currents” series, which was such a huge honor for Adair. Later deciding to focus her attention on her solo career rather than split her time between that and the Sister Sadie band, added another level of transition for her.  

Tina was featured on the cover and with an in-depth article in the April 2023 edition of Bluegrass Unlimited.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (February 21, 2025) – Billy Blue Records is proud to announce the release of “Ruby Ann,” the newest single from Authentic Unlimited’s highly-praised album, So Much For Forever. This mid-tempo heartbreaker tells the story of someone left wondering why the love of his life has disappeared, carried by the band’s signature harmonies and skillful instrumentation. 
 
Co-written by all five members of Authentic Unlimited—Jesse Brock, Stephen Burwell, Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, and John Meador—"Ruby Ann" captures the aching uncertainty of lost love. The song’s chorus asks, “Oh Ruby Ann, where have you gone? Why did you leave our little home?” blending sorrowful storytelling with the band’s unmistakable bluegrass drive.
 
“Authentic Unlimited has done it again,” says Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director of Billy Blue Records. “This song has everything you want in a great bluegrass tune: raw emotion, a melody that stays with you, and flawless vocals and musicianship.”
 
"To me, 'Ruby Ann' is the essence of a bluegrass song,” says co-writer and band member Stephen Burwell. “This song focuses on the powerful trio throughout the verses and choruses and leaves you feeling grassy.”

Building on the success of So Much For Forever—which topped Bluegrass Unlimited’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart—and #1 singles “Fall in Tennessee” and “Big Wheels”, Authentic Unlimited continues to solidify their place as one of the most exciting acts in bluegrass today.

The band recently added to their growing list of achievements, earning four IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards in 2024, including both Song of the Year AND Video of the Year for “Fall in Tennessee,” Vocal Group of the Year, and Mandolin Player of the Year for band member Jesse Brock. They were also featured on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited’s November issue.

With “Ruby Ann”, Authentic Unlimited once again proves that their signature blend of tradition and creativity resonates deeply with bluegrass fans. Audiences can catch them live at one of their 75+ tour stops this year.

Produced and Arranged by Authentic Unlimited

Vocals, Banjo, and Guitar: Eli Johnston

Vocals and Bass: Jerry Cole

Vocals and Guitar: John Meador

Mandolin: Jesse Brock

Fiddle and Percussion: Stephen Burwell

ABOUT AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED
Authentic Unlimited, a 2024 Grammy nominee and two-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, is a powerhouse bluegrass and Gospel band known for their incredible musical talent and dedication to the craft. The group features five seasoned musicians, each bringing unique backgrounds and impressive credentials. Stephen Burwell, a skilled fiddler from Texas and a former member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, also works as a recording engineer. Jerry Cole, raised in Tennessee, grew up immersed in music and toured with bands like Pine Mountain Railroad and IIIrd Tyme Out before joining Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Eli Johnston, originally from Missouri, discovered his passion for music early and has contributed original songs to the bluegrass world; he too has roots in Doyle Lawson’s band. Mandolin virtuoso Jesse Brock, from Kentucky, has won the IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year award three times, cementing his status in the industry. Rounding out the group is John Meador from East Tennessee, a talented guitarist and vocalist who began performing as a young teenager. Together, these five musicians form Authentic Unlimited, a group that’s quickly gaining recognition for their remarkable contributions to bluegrass and Gospel music.

"Silvertone Blues" is the next single from Compton and Newberry's album, Home In My Heart, released in September of 2024.

"Silvertone Blues" showcases Mike Compton and Joe Newberry's nod to traditional and new American music. Mike Compton plays mandolin and handles the Lead Vocals on this track and Joe Newberry the rhythm guitar and harmonies.

""Silvertone Blues" was learned from John Hartford and was written by the late Benny Martin about a Silvertone Guitar he ordered from the Sears Roebuck catalogue when he was a boy. Benny says that "the postman brought it on a big black 'hoss' in a paper box 4 feet long" The second verse describes him making "a dollar and a dime and a quarter" busking (on lower Broadway in Nashville) in front of Hardeman's Feed Store on a Saturday afternoon. " Mike Compton

Online at: http://www.comptonandnewberry.com

NASHVILLE, TN -

"I'll Be Here Either Way", written by mandolinist and vocalist Teo Quale, is their second single and another highlight of Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band's upcoming album (due out Early 2025).

Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band members are:

Teo Quale (mandolin, vocals), Miles Quale (fiddle, vocals),

Andrew Osborn (bass, vocals), and Ian Ly (guitar, vocals).

""I'll Be Here Either Way" started as a hook which I had been messing around with for a while. That hook eventually became the chorus of the song. From there, I wrote each verse and the bridge around that central idea. Although the story of the song doesn't pertain specifically to my life, its message is one to which many people can relate. "I'll Be Here Either Way" is special to me because it is the first song with lyrics that I've written."

- Teo Quale

NASHVILLE, TN -

"Sawdust".

"Sawdust", written by Noah Gordon and Louie Parker, is the next single from RiverBend's upcoming album, No More Will I Ramble. 
 

RiverBend members are:

Aaron Muskopf (guitar, vocals), Blake Korte (dobro, vocals), Andy Novara (mandolin, vocals), Will Miscall (bass, vocals), and Alex Riffle (banjo).

The album and single also features Tim Crouch (fiddle).

""Sawdust" is a song that truly resonates with me on a personal level. Anyone who's ever put in a hard day's work and wondered if it’s enough to get ahead will feel the weight of these lyrics. It’s a reminder that while we’re all chasing money and success, those things aren’t the heart of what life’s really about.

I’ll never forget the first time I heard it. I was driving to my son's baseball game, listening to a local radio station known for its bluegrass shows, when this song came on. I’d never heard it before, but it immediately struck me as something special. When I got home, I dug into the station’s playlist and discovered it was written and recorded by a local band called The Gordons—a group I’ve known for years. Not only are they incredibly talented musicians, but they’re also just genuinely great people. It’s a true honor to share one of their songs, and I’m excited for others to experience the magic of "Sawdust"." - Aaron Muskopf (Riverband)

Elaina Kay Smith is a Christian singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, TN.  Christian music has always been a part of her DNA and her passion since childhood.  Her sweet, soprano voice coupled with her ability to write heartwarming and inspirational songs, makes her one of the most unique new artists in Christian music.  She regularly leads worship at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, and is a wife and mother of three.  "Born On Christmas Day" was produced by the award winning and Grammy nominated artist/producer, Gordon Mote.

The reason this song spoke to Marty when he heard the rough demo is very unique.   
Christmas 1969 is one which will forever be etched in the memories of Marty DeRoche and his twin sister Barbie. Christmas was in the middle of the Vietnam War, and though they were very young, the twins were well acquainted with war and the military.  With a father who served in the military, Marty and Barbie’s two older brothers, Gary and Bobby, both enlisted and were deployed to Vietnam, even before their draft notices came. 

 With a beautiful tree lit with multi-colored bulbs and candles topped with red in every window, the house was bright and festive on Christmas Day.   The DeRoche family had opened presents and then made their way to their dining room table.  Mrs. DeRoche had the table spread with a delicious meal of all the family’s favorite Christmas foods.  As a last thought before sitting down, she tilted the two empty chairs against the side of the table where Gary and Bobby always sat, symbolizing they would not be used today in honor of the boys. 

Just as each family member was seated and bowed their heads in prayer, the doorbell rang.  Mr. DeRoche stood up to answer quietly, not wanting the rest of the family to interrupt the stillness they had settled into, heads bowed, eyes closed, for the blessing on the food.  When Mr. DeRoche opened the door, he saw a checkered cab and a man in military dress.  The soldier handed him a telegram.  Marty and Barbie’s dad thanked the soldier and walked back to the table silently before opening the envelope.  As he began to read while still standing, Marty opened one eye to see tears trickle down his dad’s cheeks, an unusual event.  Mr. DeRoche did not show that kind of emotion under most circumstances. 

The telegram told the news of a severely wounded soldier, their brother Bobby.  When he finished reading, Marty’s dad folded the telegram and placed it back in the envelope and put it beside his plate.  Without missing a beat, he began to pray.  That is when Marty says he heard his father perform the most selfless act he had ever known and remembers to this day.  He began to pray for all the soldiers serving throughout the world and Vietnam, and for all the families like theirs with empty chairs at their Christmas tables.  Then, he prayed for Bobby and Gary, wherever they may be, for healing and for Gary’s protection. 

Marty says he was able to tell his father before he passed about the greatest Christmas gift he could have ever given him as a child.  Praying that day, with such a selfless prayer for all the other families and the emotion his dad showed, taught Marty that it was all right to cry in times of sadness, and it was even more important to remember others, even in our own sorrow. 

“It was the hardest Christmas I ever had,” shares Marty.  “I was the baby brother.   Those were my two big brothers, my heroes, who I looked up to.  I wanted to be like them and do everything they did.  To hear my brother was wounded and far away from us was awful, but my mother did her best to continue our Christmas for Barbie’s and my sake.  The one thing I do remember is that she changed the lights on the tree to blue strands and all the bulbs in the window candles to blue.  She said not only because it was a blue Christmas due to sadness, but in honor of all the soldiers who were serving around the world to protect our freedom. 

In 1970, Christmas was much different a year later, but still eventful.   Gary had also been wounded and was in the VA Hospital in Fort Knox.  Bobby was healed up and was given leave to come home for the holidays.  When Gary found out Bobby was flying into Louisville, where the family lived, he planned to walk to him and surprise his brother.  Gary had been unable to walk without support from his injury, but was determined to meet Bobby with no canes or crutches and meet him for a hug unassisted. 

The news had been told about the two brothers, both wounded in Vietnam, getting to be back together for Christmas and the flight that would bring Bobby home.  When the DeRoche family arrived at the airport, there was a huge crowd cheering and celebrating the arrival of the two brothers both wounded serving their country and unable to come home the previous year for Christmas.  News reporters and t.v. cameras lined the airport tarmac. 

When the pilot and flight attendants found out about Bobby being on the plane and what was happening below, they held the rest of the passengers in their seats and let Bobby come down the steps first alone.  When he got to the bottom, there to surprise him was Gary walking toward him with nothing but braces on his legs, unassisted.  It was a solemn moment taken in by the crowd.  Once the brothers met and hugged at the bottom of the steps, a loud cheer went up from the crowd and the rest of the family joined the brothers.  What a different Christmas it was only a year later!